Cigarette blamed for Plymouth condo fire

Fire investigators blamed the careless disposal of a cigarette for the three-alarm fire Sunday morning that left 36 residents of a Plymouth condominium complex homeless.

By Rich Harbert

The Enterprise, Brockton, MA

By Rich Harbert

Posted Jul. 8, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jul 8, 2013 at 8:19 AM

By Rich Harbert

Posted Jul. 8, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jul 8, 2013 at 8:19 AM

PLYMOUTH

» RELATED CONTENT

LINKS

FILES

» Social News

Fire investigators blamed the careless disposal of a cigarette for the three-alarm fire Sunday morning that left 36 residents of a Plymouth condominium complex homeless.

Fire Chief Ed Bradley said the fire started in a planter on a second floor balcony of the 14-unit building at the Groves at Summer Hill, a complex of condominiums on Marc Drive in West Plymouth.

Bradley said all 14 units in Building 4D sustained heavy water and smoke damage. Two of the units suffered heavy fire damage as well.

Bradley said eyewitness accounts and videos helped investigators pinpoint the source of the fire to a second floot balcony. A resident of the unit told investigators he disposed of a cigarette in a planter on his balcony between 10:30 and 11 p.m. Saturday.

Firefighter found flames roaring through the second and third floor balconies after responding to numerous calls for help at 8:20 a.m. Sunday. The fire spread throughout the building after burning into the attic.

All residents were able to get out of the building. One resident was treated for breathing problems. Another was treated for exposure to the heat.

Three firefighters were treated as well. Two suffered leg injuries while negotiating through debris in stairwells after the roof collapsed. One was treated for dehydration and exhaustion.

The American Red Cross set up an emregency shelter for residents of the entire complex at Plymouth North High School Sunday. Residents of other buildings in the complex sought relief there from the 95-degree temperatures after power to the entire complex was cut.

The Red Cross helped fire victims by providing temporary housing at a local motel. The Red Cross also distributed vouchers for food and clothing.

Residents were allowed to retrieve medications and car keys, but virtually everything else in the building was destroyed, Bradley said.

He estimated structural damage at $1 million. Personal property damage was estimated at $700,000 but could easily top $1 million as well.

See Wednesday’s Old Colony Memorial and watch wickedlocalplymouth.com for more on this story.